Federal Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham answers your questions
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has urged Australians to support domestic tourism, saying the industry is ‘on its knees as a result of COVID’. He was online today to answer readers’ questions.
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Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has urged Australians to support domestic tourism, saying the industry is ‘on its knees as a result of COVID’.
Speaking with readers in News Corp’s online Q&A session today, he also weighed into the cruise ship debate, saying the industry has work to do to convince health officials and the public of their safety.
“Our tourism industry and our accommodation providers right across Australia are doing it so tough at present,” said Mr Birmingham.
“Rather than booking a cruise I encourage all Australians to get in their cars and, when we can, on planes, trains and buses across Australia, to stay in local accommodation places, spend money in our towns, regions and cities to really help our many other tourism businesses.”
The first day of June has brought with it the start of winter, but few Australians were complaining about the chill in the air.
It also marked the day that COVID-19 restrictions were further relaxed around the country at various levels, generally allowing for larger gatherings inside and out, more patrons at restaurants, cafes, pubs, cinemas and even gyms.
When it comes to travel, there are still some restrictions in place, including the controversial decision by the Queensland Government to keep its borders shut to interstate visitors.
A return to domestic tourism is expected to initially be the major driver in restarting the Australian tourism industry, perhaps followed by travel to New Zealand and then travel to other countries, although a timetable for this has not been confirmed.
There is plenty at stake – Australians spent nearly $80 billion on domestic travel in 2018-19, with the industry supporting 302,500 businesses according to Tourism Research Australia. As many as a million Australians are employed in the tourism industry.
Mr Birmingham was online today to answer readers’ questions. Here’s what he had to say:
Q. I want to take my family on a holiday when we are able. Are there areas of Australia in more need than others and if so, where?
A. All parts of our tourism industry are doing it tough at present, so any bookings to anywhere are welcome right now. However, there are two groups that I would single out for special support. Firstly, let’s not forget the fire-affected communities. They’ve been suffering from cancellations and losses for even longer, so please get out to support them. Secondly, those parts of our tourism industry who rely more heavily on international visitors are going to be feeling the pain even longer, given the ongoing restrictions on international travel. So Australians able to take a break shouldn’t just think about their usual or favourite local destination, but should also explore somewhere different, tick something else off of your bucket list and see why millions of international guests leave raving about our wonderful country each year too!
Q. My email inbox has been inundated with emails from cruise companies trying to sell me a cruise? Have cruise companies been given the green light to start cruising again? Will there be new guidelines for them to manage hygiene standards and do you think it would be risky to book a cruise?
A. No, cruise ships have not been given the green light yet and I would assume that cruise shipping will be one of the last activities to come back online. There were quite clearly failures in terms of public health management that contributed to the spread of COVID-19 on a number of cruise ships around the world. I believe health officials will be very cautious about giving a green light to cruise shipping anytime soon. The cruise industry not only has work to do to convince the health officials, but also to convince the public of their safety.
Our tourism industry and our accommodation providers right across Australia are doing it so tough at present. Rather than booking a cruise I encourage all Australians to get in their cars and, when we can, on planes, trains and buses across Australia, to stay in local accommodation places, spend money in our towns, regions and cities to really help our many other tourism businesses.
Q. In keeping with the Buy Australia campaign roll out, don’t you think it’s time to educate Australian travellers that properties will match the rates of third parties like booking.com? If you book direct you save the 12 per cent commission being sent overseas and keep that money in Australia. It is the single biggest thing tourism bodies can do to support an industry on its knees. Educate the consumers to pick up the phone. It’s pure profit to us and we need that money.
A. The number one priority is to drive bookings. Our tourism industry is on its knees as a result of COVID and those who are able to travel can help by getting out there and supporting Australian jobs and businesses. But I agree that where possible it’s best for people to book direct. Our promotional websites encourage that and we can all help to spread the word, so as to maximise the benefits that flow back to these Aussie businesses.
Q. A number of South East Asian countries have very low COVID-19 numbers and have been that way for a few weeks similar to Australia. Is it possible that a travel hub to these countries could be arranged within the next few months given that it will be a long time before we can travel to the USA and most of Europe? Also do you expect that we would have to go into a 14-day isolation on return to Australia and would that be in a hotel or your own home? Personally I would be willing to travel if I could isolate at home.
A. It’s a bit early to countenance those options yet. We need to work through this in logical steps – open up local economies properly (restaurants, pubs, attractions, etc), then open up interstate travel, hopefully secure travel links with NZ and then, if all of that has been safely accomplished, we can consider other options. Everyone needs to remember that Australia’s border restrictions have played a huge role in keeping us safe and continue to do so. Please think about holidaying here in Australia first. Check out https://www.australia.com/en for inspiration!
Q. Do you think the Queensland borders will be open for interstate travel by August?
A. I hope so. Understandably, the priority right now is continuing with the process, in every single state, of gradually easing internal restrictions and getting people back into restaurants, pubs and other activities. If states successfully ease internal restrictions while still suppressing COVID-19, then all states should progress to open up their borders.
Q. How much has the COVID pandemic cost the Australian tourism industry? How does the government plan to encourage international tourists back to Australia when the international borders reopen?
A. One in 13 Australian jobs are dependent on our tourism industry, as are many thousands of Australian businesses. We attract close to nine million international arrivals annually and the absence of them is a huge blow to many parts of Australia. Without support like JobKeeper and small business payments many of our tourism businesses would probably have gone under by now. In the short term the best thing we can do is to get Australians to “Holiday Here this Year!” … check it out here. But we will also seek to rebuild international visitors as fast as we can, when we can. Tourism Australia continues to use social media channels to remind international markets of the incredible experiences Australia has to offer, trying to increase the intention of people to book when they can. We will step up more aggressive promotion of Australia when conditions allow. Australia is also a standout country from our successful management to date of COVID, which can only enhance our reputation for safety and quality, as well as our exceptional experiences.
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